At seven in the morning, Yuan Gun Gun woke up, dressed and prepared to wake up Hao Yan Che. Then she remembered she didn’t need to wake up Hao Yan Che anymore. She changed out of her uniform into a pink dress, and cooked breakfast.

  At half past seven in the morning, Yuan Gun Gun walked outside to go to school. She was happily surprised to see Na Liu Ting Du waiting for her in front of a Lincoln.

  ‘Big brother Du,’ Yuan Gun Gun greeted and kissed Na Liu Ting Du’s cheek.

  Na Liu Ting Du lifted Yuan Gun Gun into his arms, and kissed her cheek too.

  ‘My Gun Gun is a lot lighter,’ Na Liu Ting Du said.

  ‘Big brother Du, you’re only saying that to make me feel better,’ Yuan Gun Gun said.

  ‘It’s the truth,’ Na Liu Ting Du said.

  ‘Big brother Du is the best,’ Yuan Gun Gun said.

  Na Liu Ting Du opened the passenger door, Yuan Gun Gun sat in the back seat and he sat next to her.

  ‘Hello uncle Zheng,’ Yuan Gun Gun greeted.

  ‘Hello young mistress,’ Mr Zheng said. ‘You’re prettier by the day.’


  ‘Uncle Zheng is more handsome by the day,’ Yuan Gun Gun said.

  ‘Uncle Zheng, you can drive now,’ Na Liu Ting Du said.

  Na Liu Ting Du hugged Yuan Gun Gun and Mr Zheng drove to her school.

  No one in the Lincoln noticed Hao Yan Che standing in front of his bedroom window or how his violet eyes changed color.

  In the Lincoln, Na Liu Ting Du opened a meal box.

  ‘Gun Gun, what’s wrong?’ Na Liu Ting Du asked.

  ‘Big brother Du, do you hate me?’ Yuan Gun Gun asked.

  ‘Um, you’re hateful,’ Na Liu Ting Du teased.

  Yuan Gun Gun looked down and didn’t say anything.

  Na Liu Ting Du held Yuan Gun Gun’s soft face and smiled at her.

  ‘Of course my Gun Gun is loveable,’ Na Liu Ting Du said. ‘I can look at your face forever.’


  ‘Really?’ Yuan Gun Gun asked.

  ‘Yes,’ Na Liu Ting Du said. ‘What’s wrong?’


  ‘Big brother Du……’ Yuan Gun Gun said.

  Na Liu Ting Du put the meal box to the side, and he patted Yuan Gun Gun’s back.

  ‘Don’t cry,’ Na Liu Ting Du said. ‘Did someone bully you?’


  ‘No,’ Yuan Gun Gun asked.

  ‘Gun Gun, when did you learn to lie to me?’ Na Liu Ting Du asked.

  ‘Big brother Du, if I’m not daddy and mummy’s daughter, would you still love me?’ Yuan Gun Gun asked.

  ‘Why are you asking this out of the blue?’ Na Liu Ting Du asked. ‘Did someone say something hurtful to you?’


  ‘No,’ Yuan Gun Gun said.

  ‘Gun Gun, don’t you need me anymore?’ Na Liu Ting Du asked.

  ‘Of course I need big brother Du,’ Yuan Gun Gun said.

  ‘Then answer my question,’ Na Liu Ting Du said.

  ‘I don’t know how to explain it,’ Yuan Gun Gun said. ‘There is someone who hates me and thinks I’m an eyesore.’


  ‘Hao Yan Che?’ Na Liu Ting Du asked.

  ‘Yes,’ Yuan Gun Gun said.

  ‘Are you sad because he hates you?’ Na Liu Ting Du asked.

  ‘Yes,’ Yuan Gun Gun said.

  ‘Why?’ Na Liu Ting Du asked.

  ‘Big brother Du, wouldn’t you be sad if someone hates you and thinks you’re an eyesore?’ Yuan Gun Gun asked.

  ‘Dummy,’ Na Liu Ting Du said affectionately. ‘Don’t cry. Eat your breakfast.’


  ‘Rice balls?’ Yuan Gun Gun asked.

  Na Liu Ting Du pinched Yuan Gun Gun’s nose.

  ‘Mum made it especially for you,’ Na Liu Ting Du said. ‘Are you happy?’


  Yuan Gun Gun nodded her head, smiled and two dimples appeared on her cheeks.

  Na Liu Ting Du put gloves on Yuan Gun Gun and his hands.

  ‘You’ll spoil the rice balls if you cry on them,’ Na Liu Ting Du said. ‘Hurry and eat them.’


  Watching Yuan Gun Gun heartily eat the rice balls put Na Liu Ting Du in a good mood.

  ‘Gun Gun, it doesn’t matter what other people say,’ Na Liu Ting Du said. ‘Dad, mum and I will always love you. In our hearts you’re our little princess.’


  Yuan Gun Gun choked on the rice balls from happiness. Na Liu Ting Du took off his gloves and rubbed her head.

  ***